Kaizer Chiefs’ amazing start to the new season is but a distant memory after a pretty dismal run of performances in October.
Although Chiefs won against Durban City on Friday, several questions remain.
What is the best starting XI?
Kaizer Chiefs news wrap: Ighodaro headache, Msimango inspires
Kaizer Chiefs need a settled starting XI
Managers around the globe must juggle between settling on an established starting XI and making tweaks when legs are tired or there’s a tactical need for it.
Since the 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef have made far too many reactionary changes to their starting XI combinations. They went for a 3-4-3 against Marumo Gallants with Zitha Kwinika, Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross in defence and Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Siphesihle Ndlovu as the midfield engine room. Khanyisa Mayo led the line, supported and assisted by Ashley du Preez and Gaston Sirino, who missed a penalty. 1-1 draw.
Nack to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1
Against AmaZulu, they reverted to a 4-2-3-1, using Nkosingiphile Ngcobo at the expense of Siphesihle Ndlovu in midfield, while Paseka Mako was the odd one out at the back and sacrificed. Another 1-1 draw with an almost totally new-look attack comprising Glody Lilepo, Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi and Mayo up top. Lilepo missed a penalty. Why are these guys always missing penalties?
Chiefs made ZERO outfield changes for their Carling Knockout clash with Stellenbosch in Cape Town, with the only personnel change seeing Fiacre Ntwari donning the gloves in place of Brandon Petersen. They produced another indifferent performance, drawing 0-0 and losing 5-4 on penalties.
Petersen gets the captaincy at Kaizer Chiefs
Petersen returned against Siwelele, wearing the captain’s armband. Aden McCarthy came in at left back, Thabo Cele displaced Ngcobo in midfield, while Mfundo Vilakazi, Wandile Duba and Etiosa Ighodaro came into yet another brand new attacking combination alongside Mdu Shabalala. Another 0-0 stalemate. Chiefs need to settle on some style of system and starting XI. Until then, they can’t be surprised by their incoherent displays and inconsistent results.
Long overdue win for Kaizer Chiefs against an old foe
Chiefs beat old boss Gavin Hunt’s Durban City side on Friday 1-0. It’s Chiefs’ fifth win of the league campaign and keeps them in the mix of the title race, for now. Dillan Solomons, Inacio Miguel, Aden McCarthy and Bradley Cross formed the back four with Ngcobo and Mthethwa ahead of them. Gaston Sirino’s assist off the bench was his first of the campaign. With Miguel picking up a booking, he’s suspended for Chiefs’ next game, so another enforced change is looming. Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango are still injured, so this is hardly ideal. Their next assignment is on Tuesday, 4 November against Orbit College. Kickoff is at 19:30.